‘A president can’t take a joke’: Springsteen hits Trump, Paramount over Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ exit

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Bruce Springsteen appeared on Stephen Colbert's penultimate episode of 'The Late Show' on Wednesday, May 20, using the moment to back the outgoing host while sharply criticizing President Donald Trump and Paramount leadership amid renewed debate over the show’s cancellation. The appearance came just a day before Colbert’s final episode, closing an 11-year run on CBS.

Springsteen says Colbert lost show because ‘a president can’t take a joke’

Moments after stepping on stage, Springsteen directly addressed the controversy around the end of 'The Late Show', linking it to broader political pressure.

“I’m here in support tonight for Stephen, because you’re the first guy in America who’s lost his show because we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke,” Springsteen told the audience.

He went on to criticize Paramount leadership, suggesting executives were aligning themselves with Trump as the company navigated its merger with Skydance Media. He alleged corporate decision-making was influenced by political considerations tied to the $8.4 billion deal that gave the Ellison family control over Paramount.

Springsteen framed Colbert’s exit as part of a wider cultural struggle over speech and media independence, rather than a simple programming decision.

Colbert’s final week sparks debate over cancellation of 'The Late Show'

Colbert’s departure has reignited discussion over whether political commentary influenced CBS’s decision to end 'The Late Show'. Over the years, the program frequently featured criticism of Trump, making it a regular flashpoint in broader media and political debates.

CBS has denied any political motive behind the cancellation, stating the decision was driven by financial losses rather than editorial pressure.

Trump has repeatedly attacked both Springsteen and Colbert. In one post, he wrote, “Very boring singer, Bruce Springsteen, who looks like a dried up prune who has suffered greatly from the work of a really bad plastic surgeon, has long had a horrible and incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” and called for a boycott of Springsteen’s tour.

He has also referred to Colbert as a “pathetic trainwreck” and accused late-night hosts of consistent political bias.

Springsteen closed the segment with a performance of 'Streets of Minneapolis', a song tied to earlier protests in Minnesota, dedicating it to victims’ families and underscoring the political tone of his appearance.